Girl Forced To Leave School For Having Braided Hairstyle Explained By School Policy Violation

The incident that took place in a Catholic elementary school in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, has gone viral, as the student was forced to leave school because of her inappropriate hairstyle.

The video posted on Facebook, made by Steven Evergreen Fennidy, features his sister Faith walking away from the school in tears, banned because of her braided hair. The parents, outraged with such a treatment, demanded an explanation from the school. In addition, they plan to file a lawsuit against the school administration for racial discrimination.

Christ the King Elementary School claimed that they had changed the policy regarding the schoolchildren’s appearance during the summer break and had informed the families beforehand, so that all students would comfort to the new guidelines.

The new policy states: “Boys and Girls: Only the students' natural hair is permitted. Extensions, wigs, hairpieces of any kind are not allowed.”

According to 4WWL, the young girl attended a parent-teacher meeting with the administrators present, and no one said a word about her braided hair violating the school policy. Her parents guarantee that they have received no notification about the new rules either.

This sobbing girl breaks my heart. What is wrong with people? Truly—why do they do this to young black girls. https://t.co/0hEBV0iHkW

Fennidy wrote that braided hair has been a tradition among Afro-American women for ages, as this style lets them keep their hair under control.

How do you make a policy without even having a discussion. It’s because you don’t care and it’s just one more barrier to entry for black people. This decision is going to affect black children more than white children.

Christ the King Elementary School keeps loyal to the traditional school uniform and, in this case, artificial hair extensions contradicts the policy.

As to strict dress-code being enforced in schools, there are several viewpoints expressed. On the one hand, it can resolve certain problems, such as economic and social barriers, and encourage discipline and social cohesion. On the other, it stands against diversity and violates the children’s rights for freedom of expression.